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Mindfulness

The game of politics fascinates me. Political personalities fascinate me even more. Human, egoic behavior, in all of it’s charming, chaotic, confusing, and caustic glory is on full display in that realm. Just watch the proceedings on C-Span, or a TV newscast where political pundits, senators, White House staff, and world leaders appear, bearing opinions and information about the latest campaign, legislation, or scandal.

A few months ago I heard a quote by former C.I.A. director John Brennan that has stuck with me. He said, “frequently, people who go along a treasonous path do not know they are on a treasonous path until it is too late.” He was referring to an investigation involving members of the current White House administration.

A treasonous path. Disloyalty. Betrayal. Such great words!

On a long run the other day I tossed those around concepts. I was curious as to how (and if) betrayal and disloyalty show up in my life (outside of the daily news cycle). I also wanted to examine how the news that spins around the airwaves is a reflection of my/our inner world (thoughts and emotions). Here’s what occurred to me – for the umpteenth time:

Everything is a reflection of our inner world. Once we get to know the inner workings of our minds, and befriend each unsettling memory, belief, and thought, then we can understand the where, why and how of the whole. It’s microcosm to macrocosm over and over and over again. The more intimate I am with myself, the more intimate I am with the entire universe (and every being that is apparently here with me right now). Then I can understand and fully acknowledge that all is perfectly well, all ways.

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I’m a big fan of running. Mornings are my favorite time of day to hit the road. The near-stillness of the hour or so before other humans get fully involved in the outside world, the rhythmic motion of feet hitting pavement, the invigorating awareness of my quickening breath and increasing heart rate, and the drawing of my attention to my quieting mind make for a perfectly divine combination.

Yesterday, as I settled into my first mile, I was conscious of my body making decisions that seemed to override anything that my ego may have wanted to do. I observed my body choosing the route I ran, adjusting it’s pace to accommodate a hill, pushing itself harder, or slowing itself down. When my body signaled that it was ready to carry me home, gentle and direct words appeared in my head.

In August of 1990, at a personal development workshop known as The Forum, a facilitator stood on stage and spoke steadily into the microphone. “None of you are unique,” he told us. “None of you are special.”

Whaaaat?

Fast forward to last Wednesday. I was in post-meditation mode, thinking about what came to me during my time of quiet reflection, and peacefully pruning the tomato vines when that strong, truthful, inner voice that we all meet at some point said, “For many years you wanted to be special. Now you know you aren’t. That is freedom. Now get to work, and do the things that are special to you. Watch what grows from that place, without an addiction to being recognized, congratulated, or rewarded. Then you’ll know even more profoundly what it means to be free – and how wonderfully special you are, as you are.”

It’s Friday again, which seems to be a cause for celebration for many people. And why not? Their weekday routine is ending, and maybe there will be some excitement, or something different to look forward to as the weekend kicks in.

What if we applied that same enthusiasm to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and even Saturday and Sunday?

Imagine saving all of your excitement, all of your positive thoughts, all of your enthusiasm for one day of the week. What if you were to spread that joy around, to give as much value to the other days, to hold Tuesday in as much esteem as you do Friday? What is the difference, really, between those days?

Reclaim the EVERYDAY joy that can be found wherever you are. Whenever you choose to acknowledge it, joy shows up. It’s that easy. Seek and you shall find. Look for ways to make every day a special day. What are you waiting for?

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Yesterday, which was Independence Day in the US, I woke with the thought, “What are you for?”

While pondering that question it occurred to me that there is much chatter on Twitter and Facebook, in newspapers, on TV news, and in other media about resisting, protesting, or being against something. My next thought was, “What would happen inside of us, in our communities, and around the world if we were to focus more on being for something, instead of against it? “I stand for equal rights.” “I believe in my freedom and rally for myself.” Is that too naive, idealistic, or unrealistic these days? Are those ideals already part of the mission of the marches we’ve seen recently? Yes, when people rally together, and express their anger, doubts, worries, and fears, it certainly can attract headlines, and lead to change. Sometimes, shouting it out makes a difference.

I looked on-line for an example of a movement that embodies the ideals above, and came across this:

THE WOMEN’S MARCH MISSION
The mission of the Women’s March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change. The Women’s March is a women-led movement providing intersectional education on a diverse range of issues and create entry points for new grassroots activists & organizers to engage in their local communities through trainings, outreach programs and events. Women’s March is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect.

So what the heck is my point here? For me, “What are you for?” is a chance to re-align with things that allow peace, kindness, generosity, and compassion to flow through me unimpeded.

What are you for?

ESSENTIAL OIL tip for the day:

Combine a drop of Peppermint and Wild Orange oils in your hands. Rub your hands together, then bring your hands toward your nose without touching your eyes, and take a gentle breath in. A little shot of support for mental clarity, and calming.